Lone senior Amber Moore played her last game at the State Farm Center on Sunday. Even though the game did not have the outcome the Illini were hoping for, Moore has lots to be proud of for her career playing for the orange and blue, and is looking to get a win today in Big Ten tournament play.
This past Sunday, the Illini hosted the nationally ranked Iowa Hawkeyes in their final regular season game. It was also senior day honoring Moore. In the 81-56 loss to, Moore scored a team high 14 points.
After the game, there was a short ceremony honoring her. She was escorted onto the floor by her parents and grandmother. Head coach Matt Bollant congratulated her on her accomplishments throughout her career at the University of Illinois. He said that the coaching staff looked to her this year to step up her game vocally on the court, especially talking on defense, and she has done just that. The coaching staff has been very pleased with her efforts.
Bollant said that there was a game earlier in the season where Moore fouled out, yet she was the loudest on the bench and the first one off the bench during time outs to greet her teammates coming off the floor. He said that tells you about the kind of player Amber is. She has a big heart.
So far on the season, Moore is averaging 14.9 points per game. She is shooting 35% from the three point line and has made 84 thus far this season.
This past Monday she was named honorable mention All-Big Ten by the Big Ten media members. She is currently ranked 21st in the NCAA in three point field goals per game, averaging 2.9.
The Illini are hoping to make a run in the Big Ten tournament, which begins today. I had the opportunity to interview Amber before she left for Indianapolis.
SP: What are your plans after leaving the University of Illinois?
Moore: I plan to play overseas continuing my basketball career. Once I am done with that I want to work with children, and work on creating a fitness program for them.
SP: Why did you end up choosing the University of Illinois for school and basketball?
Moore: I chose Illinois because I really enjoyed the coaching staff (Jolette Law and staff) and the players. I also wanted to get away from home (Detroit, Michigan), and the University of Illinois has a great kinesiology program that I wanted to be in while attending school.
SP: What is your favorite basketball moment? Or favorite game that you were a part of?
Moore: One of my favorite moments playing basketball would have to be when we playing Seton Hall this year. We were down 20 points and we were able to come back and win the game by one point.
SP: This season, you became the all-time leader in 3-pointers (291) at Illinois. What does that mean to you?
Moore: It means a lot to me to be the record holder of three pointers made, because it shows that I work hard and being able to accomplish that is indescribable to me.
SP: How have you changed, as a person and player, throughout your college career?
Moore: I’ve become more of a leader, and I’ve been pushed to limits that I thought I didn’t have, which has created more fight in me, more toughness, and a better work ethic.
SP: As you mentioned before you want to eventually create a health program for kids? Was there a particular incident that made you want to do this?
Moore: I’ve always liked working with children; I think that I do well with them. I have a passion for kids being healthy and active, and keeping their bodies fit.
SP: What is your favorite memory at the University of Illinois?
Moore: My favorite part of the University of Illinois was making all the friends I have now. I think building these relationships have made my life a better one, and I will cherish every moment I’ve had with them.
It’s common for the Illinois women’s basketball announcer to say the phrase, “Moore for 3!” at least once, twice, up to five times a game. Hopefully that phrase will be used a few times today in Indianapolis.
The Illini will face Iowa for the first round of tournament play. The game begins at 1:30 p.m. this afternoon, and will be aired live on the Big Ten Network.